Astute readers of EW.com’s American Idol TV Watch pointed out on our message boards that only 11 of the 12 female semifinalists were in the audience during last night’s men’s semifinal performances. Missing from the group: Carly Smithson (pictured), the Irish-born songbird who’s been under intense media scrutiny because of her one-time deal with MCA Records, which resulted in Ultimate High, the 2001 flop (it sold only a few hundred copies) she recorded under the name Carly Hennessy.
But conspiracy theorists wondering if the controversy got Smithson booted from the show should hold their horses. Randy Jackson, who dropped by EW.com headquarters to shoot an episode of Idolatry this afternoon, attributes Smithson’s absence to a flu bug that had hit several female contestants this week. “I think they didn’t want them infecting the others,” Jackson said. “They were doing sort of an Idol quarantine.” Asked if viewers were in for a surprise on tonight’s women’s semifinal show, Jackson couldn’t have been more adamant: “No, no, no, definitely not.”
A Fox spokesperson confirmed Jackson’s report, adding that Smithson’s fellow semifinalist Kristy Lee Cook also left the audience midway through the evening because she was feeling ill.
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“Kristy Lee Cook also left the audience midway through the evening because she was feeling ill.”
So did I. It was right after I saw and heard Chikezie…..
Strepsi, that is way to funny!!!! Nice line.
I’m not really into this Carly Smithson. Not sure why they are all over her. Maybe it’s her tats.
Too funny. I thought he was looking and sounding a lot like Carlton Banks, and then the “whoo” totally took it over the top.
Chikezie – was not the WORST singer on the show last night. Garret – the one with the “teen idol” fluffy hair – was – far and away just really bad. He needs to go – pronto ! I like Carly – and I want to hear more from her- like tonight – this season – the females will “own” the AI show – based on what I saw from the males – last night….
Chikezie was not the worst. He however was the funniest bad performance.
Well, by tomorrow we’ll see whether Carly was worth all the hype that the producers could muster. I have a feeling that Syesha or Asia’H will outshine her, but who knows? At any rate, people know who she is now — that’s the power of the show.
Shucks, I hope she and the other gal will be able to sing. What happens if a contestant is too sick to sing? Are they ousted?
And why is this board going the wrong way?
I am not sure what they would do with sick idol here but one fellow in UK got sick…they let him miss a week but when he could not continue after that he was released. Sort of related…I can remember them telling Josh in season 2 if he got called up for deployment he could come back in the same spot the following season. So guess something like that is an option. Probably depends where they are in the contest…which round and such.
In the ABC news article you link, who is this mysterious “Mike Slezk” character they quote? You should demand a formal apology, Michael! Yeah, you show em who’s boss.
I feel for these girls if they have the flu. I got it a few weeks ago and it’s some bad stuff. I’m watching the show now and so far i think their doing great.
I think this programe should be for amateurs only and not for the people that had record deals before. Especially (as I understand)owned by Mr. Randy Jackson. Thanks.
This girl has gotten WAY TOO MUCH PUBLICITY for just being her. Her pic is everywhere on the internet…yet if you saw the show tonight there were 4 women who outsang her: Amanda, Rami, Asia and Syesha.
Give it a rest EW.
The 6 boyz + 6 girls is going to backfire on the producers because this year you have better and more girl singers than boys.
What is this show all about the guys are taking up tv. time non of them can sing. What’s the difference only favorites make it…..
We really do watch this show every year and I want to see all the winners blow up and be stars not just certain ones. What happen to our winner last year? I’ll tell you he has appeared in some run down casinos.
Carly is good and she deserves a deal. And so do a couple others, I don’t know who they are yet but when they start singing good, I’ll tell ya.
omg! This chick is Boy George reincarnated!
I hope the Carrie Underwood look-alike does something different with her look. It’s too easy to see her and compare her to Carrie.
Well 1st off I think they should have never let the young lady go (i forget her name)she had came out to Hollywood after her father was killed and her daughter was disabled. When she sung acapella in Hollywood I was so shocked and disappointed she was sent home. Sometimes the judges let good talent pass them by! I hope she blows up big and they feel stupid..again!
My thought is that Carly should not be on IDOL!! As she already had a shot and flopped!! Give some unknown person a try!!!
But Helen dear, she is ‘unknown’ and therefore should be given another try.
I agree…she is not a ‘professional’. Sounds like the record label didn’t promot her.
She is not the only person that has ‘experience’. The guy from Australia had a tentative recording contract that fell through as well as one Kristy Lee Cook’s contract and David won ‘Star Seach’ years ago.
I believe they all should have a shot at the title.
GO CARLY!!!!
I’m glad Carly was able to mention her previous record deal on the show last night. She pointed out that she got the deal when she was 16, the album was released when she was 17. She’s 24 now. (I think I have all those ages right.) The rule is that you can’t have an existing record deal, and that’s that. I’m sure she’s changed a lot since she was 17. I think that if someone is truly a gifted singer, they probably have tried to make a career our of it at some point. They are usually the best singers on the show, obviously. I’m sick of kids who think just cuz they like to sing in the car on the way to their waitressing job, that means they deserve to be big super stars. I appreciate the ones who have put a little work into it.
Can I also add that girlfriend’s teeth are f’ed up? Seriously. Distracting, like Elliot Yamin’s were before he got the $$ to fix them. I don’t mind snaggletooth in person (I’m one myself), but if you’re on tv, you need to get some work done.
I love American Idol!!!
I always get ticked when I hear comments about crooked teeth, being fat etc. But on the other side of my brain I’m agreeing that it is a bit distracting. But I hate myself for it. So, the fault lies with me, not with them. I’m the one needs changing.
What is wrong with you people. MCA invested TWO MILLION DOLLARS in Carly Hennessy Smithson. Her record sold less than 400 copies. She had the deal the AI winner will get or hope to get. She should not be in this competition. It’s a farce.
Regarding pros v. amateurs – recall that last season’s winner Ms. Sparks had recorded several gospel records, toured and won “singing” competitions as well. Talk about a pro!